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Parathyroid gland removal - Risks

Alternative Names

Removal of parathyroid gland; Parathyroidectomy

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for parathyroidectomy are:

  • Injury to the thyroid gland or the need to remove part of the thyroid gland
  • Hypoparathyroidism. This can lead to low calcium levels that are dangerous to your health.
  • Injury to the nerves in your vocal cord. You may have a weaker voice or a hard time swallowing thin liquids.
  • Difficulty breathing. This is very rare and almost always goes away several weeks or months after surgery.
  • Reviewed last on: 11/5/2010
  • Shabir Bhimji MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Sosa JA, Udelsman R. The parathyroid glands. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 37.

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